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Playing A Critical Role In The Safety Of Vermont Honoring The ACFA Members & Departments

photo by Mike Cameron Photos by Mike Cameron Pictured above: For 2017, those recognized by the ACFA included: The Ralph Jackman Youth Firefighter of the Year, Anthony Robideau of Bristol. Emergency Maintenance/Truck Captain, Ryan Cushing of Ferrisburgh. Firefighter of the Year went to Bristol's Bill Elwell. Shirley Tupin accepted the Senior Firefighter of the Year award for Vergennes' Bill Brown. Line Officer of the Year, Addison's Chris Reed. Chief Officer of the Year for 2017 was Bristol's Brett LaRose.

Tuesday January 24, 2017

By Cookie Steponaitis

On Wednesday, January 18th, the Eagles Club in Vergennes hosted the Annual Addison County Firefighters Association meeting and awards. As expected over two hundred fifty firefighters were present in an evening full of camaraderie, celebration, humor, resolution and fun. Comprised of seventeen member departments and 452 members, the ACFA model of community support continues to set a high standard for other counties in Vermont to emulate and repeat. With the 2016 numbers of 5636.6 county hours of service, 11,838 hours of department service and 17,474 collective hours of training, the local fire departments do more than what they have to and go beyond to serve the local people.
    Speaking to the assembled group, longtime supporter Vermont governor Phil Scot thanked the group for the sacrifices they make not only juggling their schedules but the risks they take to protect the people, property and lives of this state. “We trust you will always be there,” remarked Governor Scott. “We have a great deal of gratitude and respect for all of our fire and first responders.” Whether honoring Monkton Fire Department’s service with the Turpin Award for the highest percentage of attendance based on the department’s membership within the county, awarding Bristol Fire Department’s Anthony Robideau the Chief Ralph Jackman Firefighter of the Year Award, or presenting Starksboro’s Roger Thibault ACFA 50 Years of Service Award, the words used to describe each individual by their nominating committees included leadership, dedication, devotion, humility and serving others above themselves. Time and time again award presentations included mention of the service of grandfathers, fathers and watching people grow up in the fire service family. Many of the speakers made reference to the support and love of the families who are behind these civic servants’ day in and day out and year after year. On many occasions tears were wiped away as honors to those recently passed were mentioned or presented. The ACFA was proud to announce that the 2017 Regional Fire School being held at Mt. Abraham in Bristol, Vermont on April 29-30th was in honor of Darwin & Lucille Kimball.
    With multiple generations of firefighters present, the evening was layered with the meanings, traditions and family bonds that transcend what town or uniform they serve. “Firefighters have a special brotherhood,” concluded Ferrisburgh Firefighter Michael Jackman. “It goes beyond service to others and community. It is a family and one that would be willing any time of day or night to help those in need or to help another firefighter.” For the first time in several years a tone did not go off on this evening calling the firefighters to a blaze or accident. At the evenings end, handshakes occurred and a commitment that began 75 years ago, in this region was strengthened. The Valley Voice salutes the ACFA and all who work so hard each and every day to play a critical role in the safety of Vermont past, present and future.

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